Black Oxide Coating Process
Black oxide is a conversion coating created by a chemical reaction with the oxidizers and the metal to form an integral protective surface. Applications to ferrous alloys and metals begin as oxidizing salts react with iron magnetite, the "black oxide" of iron. This reaction creates a fusion resulting in complete integration with the metal and alloy it protects, adding less than 5 to 10 millionths of an inch to the dimension of the surface. An oil, wax, or other coating is applied after treatment to give additional corrosion protection.
Black oxide is commonly used in the aerospace industry for transmission and hydraulic systems, where the finish will be constantly coated with oil, or for other moving parts that cannot tolerate the dimensional change of a more corrosion resistant finish. You will also see many types of fasteners with a black oxide finish, including black oxide bolts, black oxide nuts, and black oxide screws. Many customers also require black oxide stainless steel fasteners for their applications.
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